Dashboard

What exactly is The Dashboard Spy?

Hmmm, how should I describe this unique resource on enterprise dashboards? It’s an internet resource, a blog, a community about things helpful to business dashboard practitioners. It’s a place where someone, either from the IT department or the business unit, can go to look up real life examples of executive dashboards, balanced scorecards or business metrics being presented in an at-a-glance visual style.

Who is the Dashboard Spy?

There is an air of mystery about Dash - this is probably due to the fact that some early executive dashboard screenshots were “borrowed” for display on this site. Before this resource became popular and dashboard project members started to freely contribute samples of their dashboard work, some sneaking around was required to grab the screenshots. In fact, in a few enterprise dashboard samples, you’ll find names censored and logos removed.

Why should I read The Dashboard Spy?

Let’s illustrate the point dramatically:

A Dark and Stormy Night: A Desperate Dashboarder Sees the Light

In the cold, dark parking lot, hours after everyone has left, a trench-coated figure slides out of the dense fog. Startled, you jump and then freeze as he leans into your face and whispers. “Psst…You the one they put on the dashboard project? I got your stuff - the sample dashboard parts. Sample dashboards, code, graphics, KPIs, mockup templates - the whole works. This will give your project a great jump start.”

With a tip of his fedora, the Dashboard Spy melts into the night. Your heart bangs against your chest like it’s trying to jump out. You look through the files he slipped you and you grin as you realize the value of what’s fallen into your hands. The nagging weight that’s been clinging to you like a cheap suit lifts off your shoulders and you decide to catch that last call at Joe’s Tavern after all. Heck, maybe you’ll even buy Joe a round. After all, at tomorrow’s executive dashboard project meeting, you’re going to be a damn hero…

You’re kidding me, right?

Yes, but the point is that many people have been through the dashboard project process before you. Why struggle on your own when you can leverage the collective knowledge and experience of the dashboard community?

How many dashboard screenshots are there?

I believe this to be the world’s largest collection of executive dashboard screenshots. There are several hundred at last count. They appear with commentary on this blog, categorized by type and subject matter at http://dashboardspy.com/ and as a massive dashboard screenshot image gallery at http://www.dashboardspy.com/screenshots/.

Is this free?

There is no charge to study the dashboard examples. Theoretically, costs of the site are covered by revenue generated through readers clickiing on the text ads and the enterprise dashboard book links. Donations are accepted as well.

How can I submit my dashboard?

The Dashboard Spy loves user submissions. Just email the screenshots to “info a t enterprise-dashboard.com”. Please remove the quotes and substitute the @ symbol for the “a t” letters.

The Dashboard Spy Business Intelligence Dashboards Blog